‘Sanctuary First’ is a congregation of the Church of Scotland, but unlike Strontian, Ardgour and Morvern Parish churches it doesn’t have a building and it doesn’t have parish boundaries! Sanctuary First is a virtual online resource which seeks to engage with those who may not find existing forms of church helpful in their spiritual journal. There are many expressions of church… and many within the umbrella of Strontian Morvern and Ardgour Churches… the traditional Sunday worship, Cafe Church, Messy Church, various small groups and other occasions for engaging in matters of Christian faith.

This Christmas time, I hope and pray that many will be sustained in their faith; that many will develop and deepen their commitment to Christ and his ways; and that some will be awakened to the realisation that the Jesus story isn’t just history but living reality. At Christmas we celebrate that God crept into our human experience, he became as one of us to show the way of love, peace, justice, joy and hope. Within the constraints of human language and experience, stories, songs, and symbols point us toward the mystery of God’s love for everyone and for all creation. Was Mary a virgin? What did Joseph really think? Did Mary ride on a donkey? Was it a stable? Did the shepherds leave their sheep? Was the star Halley’s Comet? How many wise men were there? Questions perhaps to be pondered by Nativity play directors! I don’t know exactly what happened when Jesus of Nazareth was born, but I know the story of Christmas to be true – revealing God in Christ who shared the fragility of human life.

I hope to see old faces and new faces at the various events and services in this last week before Christmas. I hope that whatever your situation you find ways to awaken, develop or sustain awareness of God’s blessing in your life. Sanctuary First has some great resources – there’s really beautiful reflection on Mary’s response (podcast link half way down the page at Sanctuary First)

Advent: for some a time of joyful anticipation, for some a time to reflect on happy times now passed, for some a time to work for peace and justice for all.

In worship on Sunday we light a candle of peace… a candle for peace… and ponder what it means to be a channel of peace in today’s world…

You are warmly invited to come along to church on Sunday and share the journey… yes you who are there Sunday by Sunday, and you who haven’t been for a while… you who are glad and you who carry hurt and pain… you who are certain… you who are curious… you who have questions, doubts and fears…

This year, on the 100th Anniversary of the 1918 Armistice, Remembrance Sunday falls on Armistice Day 11th November. There will be opportunities at the peninsula churches and war memorials to remember the cost of war including local lives lost in service to the country. We remember and we continue to work towards peaceful times for our world and its communities. At www.brunopeek.co.uk are details of a nationwide call to mark this centenary – including “Ringing out for peace”. www.armisticebells.com has details of a piece of music from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra to mark the centenary – which will feature bells from around the country – including the Strontian Church bell.
All are invited to share in these acts of remembrance.

Morvern

10.45am – Remembrance Service at Kiel Church led by Rev Donald McCorkindale

12noon – Wreath laying at Lochaline War Memorial

7.05pm – Church bell will ring out for peace

Ardgour

10.45am – Remembrance Service at Ardgour Church, led by Mrs Ella Gill

12noon – Wreath laying at Ardgour War Memorial

7.05pm – Church bell will ring out for peace

Strontian

10.50am – Wreath laying at Strontian War Memorial, led by Mr John Tyldsley

7pm – Remembrance Service at Strontian Church

Kingairloch

2pm – Worship at Kingairloch Church, led by Mrs Ella Gill

Drimnin

2.30pm – Wreath laying at Drimmin War Memorial, led by Rev Donald McCorkindale

Followed by afternoon tea at Drimnin Hall

Ardnamurchan

10.50am – Act of Remembrance at the Kilchoan war memorial, led by Rev Fiona Ogg

Democracy Matters Community Consultation will be happening in Strontian on November 1st, at the Sunart Centre Community Room, 7pm- 9pm

Democracy Matters is a Scottish Government community consultation. The Scottish Churches Parliamentary Office are facilitating 20 consultations including Strontian. John Wilson from SCPO will be facilitating the conversation on 1st Nov.

If you would like to participate on 1st November please contact Rev Donald McCorkindale. You can use the form below to indicated your interest, email or phone (Strontian 402234)… or just come along on Thursday – you will be very welcome.